John Devine was appointed to the Larne job last December

A statement from the club said a "lack of signings during the summer" had hastened Devine's departure.

"This has left us in a weaker position than we would have liked with the season just over a week away".

The statement added they the club hoped both Devine and Candlish would stay on as players although this must seem doubtful given recent events.

Devine was told the news when he met with club officials on Monday night although the club didn't confirm his departure until Tuesday evening.

"There is nothing more Neil and I can do. We have been told the club is looking for a new manager," said Devine who took over in December 2003.

He did not have a written contract as manager but still has one year on his deal as a player at Inver Park.

"The club is under pressure to make a change because we have not signed any big name players. It is up to the board of directors to decide if they want to get rid of us."

Devine took over at Inver Park after the resignation of Tommy Kincaid.

Just a few weeks earlier Larne had appeared in the CIS League Cup final when they were beaten on penalties by Cliftonville.

Larne finished the league campaign 14th in the 16-team Premier Division. It was their first season after winning promotion back to the top level of Northern Ireland football.

Since the end of last season Larne have lost a number of first team players and supporters have expressed concern about there not appearing to be enough quality replacements.